CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, β‐hCG and α‐fetoprotein levels in cyst fluid of breast macrocysts

Objective: To determine the tumoral markers CA 125, CA 15.3, CA 27.29, CEA, β‐hCG and α‐fetoprotein in serum and breast cystic fluid in women with fibrocystic breast disease. Methods: The study comprised 50 women diagnosed with fibrocystic breast disease but without breast macrocysts, and 60 women with macrocysts. Results: Significantly higher levels of CA 125, CA 27.29, β‐hCG and CEA were observed in the cyst fluid than in the serum of the same patients. According to their K + /Na + quotient we found that when K + /Na + was <3, cyst fluid CA 125, CA 27.29, β‐hCG and CEA levels were significantly higher than serum levels. However, when K + /Na + was >3, only CA 27.29 and β‐hCG levels were significantly higher. Comparing cyst fluid marker levels with respect to the K + /Na + ratio, the only difference observed was in CA 125 which was significantly greater when K + /Na + was < 3. A negative correlation was found between CA 125 and the K + /Na + quotient. Conclusion: These results suggest that CA 125 could be used as a marker to identify cyst type.